While much of North Carolina got a nice blanket of snowy whiteness, we got a slippery, shiny layer of ice. It was magical this morning. The sun dancing through the trees, their frozen branches glistening in the early morning light. They looked as if they were made of glass. I tried to capture the moment with my camera, but the digital images pale in comparison to the real thing.
With the roads blanketed in a layer of ice, I took the advice of all those giving advice on such matters and stayed in. Of course, I probably would have done that had it not been cold and dangerous out, but somehow a day spent inside feels different when it's weather induced. I felt the need to wear cozy clothes and cook warm comforting food. I'm still wondering what the heck has come over me with all these culinary urges. Really, it just isn't like me to want to cook.
And cook I did. I started the day by cooking breakfast. So, so uncharacteristic. As much as I typically do not enjoy cooking, I do generally prepare dinner. Occasionally lunch, but almost never do I cook breakfast. Brunch, maybe. Well, yesterday morning it was sausage, grits (not the instant variety either) and homemade biscuits.
In the afternoon I made this soup.
It was listed as one of the top recipes on all recipes.com and the name says it all. Delicious ham and potato soup. I pretty much followed the recipe and it is definitely a keeper. I've made potato soup plenty of times before, but this was the best, no doubt. I had some for lunch today, and it was even better. I don't think the recipe mentioned cheese, but really, can you have potato soup without cheese?
Sharp cheddar. The kind you grate yourself. I have an uncle who once told me if God made anything better than ice cream and coffee, he kept it for Himself. I'd have to say for me, it's a babies breath on your cheek and cheese. Two of God's greatest gifts to us, after Jesus, of course.
You thicken this soup with a roux. As I was stirring the roux, and thinking of comfort foods, I remembered something my granny made for me that her mama made for her. Sopping chocolate. Pronounced soppin' of course. And if you don't know what soppin' means, it's what you do with your biscuit to get the last bit of goodness, usually gravy, off your plate. Soppin' chocolate is basically chocolate gravy. I think my great-grandma made it for her nine children as an affordable treat. I hadn't thought about it in a long time, but yesterday in my quest for all things soft, smooth, warm and comforting, it was perfect.
That's biscuits cooked twice in one day for anyone who's counting, cause you have to have fresh hot biscuits to sop your chocolate gravy.
Tonight we're having taco salad and chips with this salsa.
